Milon in Washington DC

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Sunday, September 30, 2012

There have been so many times, I have thought that I should sum up this blog. I should write a "last entry" and call it a day. Call it a year. There should be some kind of summary of a life changing adventure such as my DC year. Shouldn't it?

Oh well. The art of letting go is not a specialty of mine, so there is a high possibility that such an entry will never be written.

I mean, how would it go? What would I say? Goodbye? So long? This was fun, let's do it again sometime? It's not my style, just ending things and leaving them for some kind of past. I want all my memories and experiences to be alive.

Sometimes, my mind wanders off and I think about walking those streets again. I can feel it so much I almost believe I'm there. You know what I mean? I'm very happy walking the streets I'm walking at the moment, still, there is something magical about DC.

I'm not ready to write a last post yet. I think I will. But not right now.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

A little while ago, I was putting together a short text about my year in the US, my life as a student and intern in DC. Yesterday, the printed story was to be found in my mailbox. And the timing couldn't have been better.

Lately, I've been having such DC cravings, it's almost ridiculous. I found the American shelf in my local grocery store and I almost started crying from the sight of Reese's and 3musketeers bars – among other goodies. I listen to Gil Scott Heron singing "Washington, DC" and I almost think it's a great song – for real.

Tuesday night, I held a short presentation about my program and answered questions and mingled with enthusiastic students-to-be. When they asked me if I miss the city, I told them that Oh My God I do. I had to refrain myself from becoming too emotional.

So, receiving this magazine with a story that I'm actually very satisfied with, came as a perfect Friday gift. For you Swedish speaking people, the online version is to be found RIGHT HERE, on pages 24-25. And for all you non-Swedes, you can simply run through the archives of this blog. Here you have the whole picture.

Friday, July 20, 2012

We're so different from each other. They're so young – Grandma's so old. Iron likes to plan things in detail – Grandma goes with the flow. Tattarn is into fashion – Grandma couldn't care less about clothing. Iron is afraid of the kitchen – Grandma loves to bake. Tattarn is an early bird – Grandma snoozes for an hour. If each one of us would be given a room to decorate, the three outcomes would look nothing like each other.

But I guess we share some core values. We're all interested in the fields of journalism and PR (PR especially!). All three of us have somewhat of an abnormal relationship with our respective Macs. We all share a passion for life in general and certain things in particular; Mad Men (and hot men), writing, travelling, food and (thank God, considering the latter) working out.

After a year of being tighter than tights, basically 24/7, we also share DC.

However, when you're being tossed together in a situation like ours, you don't really know if you are friends for real before you are separated and then reunited – it's a fact! Now, let me tell you, that the 305 girls were reunited a week ago and we are definitely friends for real.

Monday, July 16, 2012

My year in the US has come to an end, we all know that. Even I know that (although, it might not seem that way). However, the program I attended continues and a new group of students now prepare for their year overseas. Every now and then, I get emails from students-to-be, with questions about everything ranging from VISA details to tips about good restaurants or how to land an internship.

I love to answer these questions, and did so a few minutes ago. Whenever I can help, I'm more than happy to do it. Just now, as I was wrapping up my long respons, assuring the girl that she has a wonderful year ahead of her, tears welled up in my eyes and a wave of emotions rushed through my body, with an extra long stop around my heart.

I cannot see the end of my love for DC. If I would be given the opportunity, I would do it all over again. Even the headaches, even the heartbreaks, even the K-Mondays and the Pack Ass Tuesdays. I wouldn't change my year in DC for anything in the world.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Finally! The day has arrived when Grandma and The Vagrant gets to visit Iron's famous hometown of Böppa! We cannot express the joy of seeing this so much talked about place. And as a huge, wonderful bonus, we also get to see each other. The 305 girls will be reunited. At last.

Apart from the curiosity to explored Böppa and the enormous need to see each other, the occasion that brings us together is Iron's birthday. Happy 21st, dear friend! Only a month too late, but why make it easy?

Cheers! To friendship, a view over the Pentagon and lots and lots och peanut butter. (I sense a storm of emotions.)

Friday, July 6, 2012

In the middle of life, as beautiful as it could ever be. Torn between the feeling of belonging elsewhere and knowing where home will always be. Thinking about the choices and decisions. Dreaming big and having visions.

How do you deal with all those feelings?

Travelling makes you so much richer, but somehow, for a sensitive person like me, it leaves you with an empty heart. I think about DC and how much I would love to walk those streets again. I hear a song. I remember a moment. I wonder if I did the right thing, if I really did all I could.

But when in doubt, I am so incredibly happy that I have all this. The most beautiful place on earth. 11:00pm. 64°F in water. 185°F in sauna. How could it ever be wrong to be so close to all this? Sometimes, life is just so painfully beautiful. Both here and there. We can't have it all. But we can appreciate what we have in front of us right here. Right now.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Sometimes, people tend to forget the most basic things. So dear reader of this blog, let me remind you of something I believe we should all keep in mind – to treat everybody with respect and always be kind.

The spontaneous kindness of the average American is something I really miss over here. Nobody offers me a seat on the bus. Nobody lets me step forward in the line to the cashier. Nobody randomly compliments my poncho. Nobody offers to help me with my bags on the plane. Nobody holds the door for me. Nobody is spontaneously kind.

Well, of course, that's pushing it a bit, but you get the picture. Gothenburg is colder than DC – not only Fahrenheit wise.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

I was never anxious about leaving Sweden. I was never nervous to go overseas and live there for a year. I'm an explorer and I love to be away from home. What I do not like, however, is leaving lovely people and places behind. Dear reader, you must be well aware of this fact and know that I miss DC a lot. A lot!But what becomes of today when we keep walking around in yesterday? It's not fair to ourselves and it's not fair to what's in front of us now. So I'm trying my best to discover what's good about today. And yesterday, I believe I did.

I was having dinner with some lovely girls and I realized that I've actually missed all that. I've missed the red jackets, the nail polish, all the glitter and the dancing shoes. What's good about Gothenburg is definitely the dance group Patriciabaletten. Getting up on stage or just dance the night away at Larm.

Yesterday, I was in my dance bubble and I was just so happy. Not too bad. This Post DC Depression might pass, after all.

This weekend, I had two visitors on my couch. My beloved former roomie and forever dear Iron Ass stopped by with a friend of hers and before they left, she made sure to inform me that she's been here. I found this note and another virtual one and it made the old Grandma heart smile.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Did you know, that suffering from the Potomac Fever is much more severe when you're far away from the source of the illness? Yes. Take it from someone who knows. Also, know that catching the disease from the beginning was still so – oh-my-God-yes – worth it, so don't be afraid. Go to the river. Fall in love. And know that you will never fall out.